Choosing the right Rehabilitation Program and Therapy Team can play an important role in recovery!

What do we know about Bladder Control Problems?

Problems with bladder control or “urinary incontinence” is not a normal part of aging. This condition affects more than 20 million Americans, about 85 percent of which are women. Nearly half of all aging adults have bladder control problems. Unfortunately, most people affected do not seek medical help, either due to embarrassment or because they don’t know that safe and successful treatment exists. Left untreated, urinary incontinence can lead to other more serious health conditions.

What treatments can work?

Bladder control problems can be successfully treated in over 80% of people. Within the past few years, medical research has proven that programs like ours can help reduce leakage by 65% to 70% among the majority of those people experiencing bladder control problems. In fact, the government’s Agency for Health Care Research and Quality recommends this approach before the introduction of drugs or surgery for bladder control problems.

How therapeutic exercises can help strengthen the muscles needed for proper bladder function?

Simple exercises for the hip, abdomen, and pelvis can strengthen the muscles needed for proper bladder control and help decrease leakage.

How can therapeutic exercise and electrical stimulation be used to help increase motion and joint stability?

Slow, gentle stretches and simple strengthening exercises alone, or in combination with mild electrical pulses can improve joint movement and provide the stability needed to help protect joints during everyday activities.

How can you get help?

ACP’s Bladder Control Program is offered by thousands of recognized skilled nursing facilities and other rehabilitation providers around the country. You should speak to your doctor or your loved one’s about these treatment options and call
1-800-350-1100 to locate a facility near you offering ACP’s programs. A quick professional health evaluation is all that is needed to get started with our program!

What can you expect with ACP’s Bladder Control Program?

Our program is based on treatment guidelines established by the government’s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (www.ahrq.gov). The programs are implemented by the facility’s therapy and nursing departments, in conjunction with ACP’s professional clinicians and the patient’s physician. This team of healthcare professionals will assess your or your loved one’s overall health, which will likely include the ability to walk, turn, sit and stand. They may also review other possible factors such as diet, fluid intake, and current medications to evaluate their possible impact on the type of bladder control problem you or your loved one are experiencing. After that, a specific treatment program will be developed to best meet your or your loved one’s needs and personal goals.